Cosmo gives fertility apps a chance

“This may sound too good to be true, but FAM is increasingly backed by legit research.” – Cosmopolitan

You read that right, ladies and gentlemen. Cosmopolitan Magazine recently ran an article titled, “Do Birth-Control Apps Really Work?” in which it actually acknowledged the validity of decades of thorough, scientific research regarding fertility and admitted that fertility awareness-based methods (FAM) of family planning are nothing to sneeze at.

The article refers to FAM apps as “birth-control apps,” alluding to a planning mentality quite removed from our own. But the secular exposure is there and it’s very valuable.

For a medical perspective on the subject, Cosmo turned to Marguerite Duane, MD, co-founder of FACTS, a nonprofit whose sole mission is FAM research and education.

As Dr. Duane unpacked a recent scientific paper for Cosmo, she mentioned that FAM is becoming less and less of an outlier for hormone-free, organic fertility management. “I’ve seen an increased interest among single women, married women, women of all faiths and backgrounds,” she explained.

There is a clear tone of surprise used by author Rachael Schultz, but the article is generally positive. It emphasizes the organic, all-natural element of FAM and points out that use of FAM apps to avoid pregnancy are as effective as — often even more effective than — many popular forms of contraception. Schultz is also realistic about its use, acknowledging that it requires sexual responsibility.

There are a few misconceptions in the article which the author perpetuates, however, such as calling FAM “the rhythm method [with] a high-tech makeover.” Those familiar with various forms of NFP know that the rhythm method isn’t even in the same ballpark as FAM—it assumes perfect cycles and simply counts days on a calendar, whereas FAM actively monitors fertility symptoms to accommodate for even the craziest cycles.

Still, the secular publicity of fertility-tracking apps is worth celebrating. Greater knowledge of female fertility leads to greater respect for it and – if FAM stays in the mainstream — we might be on the road to a widespread culture of life, thanks in part to Cosmo.

— Forest Hempen
Marketing & Communications Associate